The early history of the United States is highlighted by accounts of the transformation of the wilderness into a place suitable for the expanding needs of the early settlers. It is sometimes argued that the lack of new frontiers to settle and develop has brought America to a declining economy, that is, to a restricted outlook economically. It is maintained by some economists that, without new frontiers in which to expand, opportunity must necessarily be limited and constricted, and that the country is therefore approaching the limit of its economic development.
This mistaken viewpoint would make opportunity the slave of material circumstance, and would tend to exclude the forever unfoldment of the ideas of divine Mind, God, in the consciousness of man. Christian Science recognizes in the design of divine Providence an economy which includes the constant appearing of new ideas and opportunities to improve the affairs of men. These opportunities exist wherever Mind exists, and Mind is everywhere. Mind is perpetually expansive; it knows no limits or diminution; it is incorporeal, boundless.
Man, the manifestation of the one perfect Mind, reflects these characteristics of Mind, and the resulting ability to overcome beliefs of restricted opportunity. He exists perpetually at the standpoint of unfettered opportunity. He is forever free to be good, to do good, and to have good.
